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My Top Ten Regional Production (Drama & Comedy) of 2015
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:17 pm EST 12/25/15

This year I reviewed 155 productions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are my top ten regional productions in order of their appTHE TOP TEN REGIONAL DRAMAS & COMEDIES STUPID FUCKING BIRD---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE—A brilliant production based on Chekhov’s “The Seagull”. It lifts it intoa modern play-within-a –play through current feeling and scene after scene of mockingly uproarious conversations from modern theatre to the nature of attraction between old men and women. ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS---BERKELEY REP---This was one funny play. I nearly laugh my tuchis off watching the antics of Don Donahue. CHOIR BOY---MARIN THEATRE---They closed the season with a superb production of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s powerful play. It featured seven brilliant actors. LOVE AND INFORMATION---AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE---For 90 minutes I was spellbound by Carly Churchill’s play. This was company of very fine actors presenting over 50 scene lets, most of which involved two characters. GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS---SHELTON THEATRE---This small company presented an outstanding production of the David Mamet’s drama with fine acting. It was a perfect cast of male performers. RICHARD III—MARIN SHAKESPEARE—This is my favorite Shakespeare play and this was a magnificent production of the Bard’s play. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE---ROLE PLAYERS ENSEMBLE I had seen oh so many productions of this Tennessee Williams play including Marlo Brando on the stage and also working on the film at Warner Brothers with Marlo, I thought I had seen it all. This production was fantastic. I thought I was seeing it for the first time, it was that good. FOR THE LOVE OF COMRADS---NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER---This was an enthralling two hour production with a splendid cast and perceptive direction. The cast was outstanding in this production of the Irish play. AH WILDERNESS---AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER.—A wonderful dreamlike production. I love this O’Neill play and this company was perfect. STAGE KISS---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE—This is one of the funniest plays I have seen this year. Even if you don’t know about backstage machinations I am sure you will enjoy it. It had a superb cast delightfully directed by Susi Damilano. ----------------------------------------------- HONORABLE MENTION --------------------------------- MOLIERE’S TARTUFFE---BERKELEY REP---a more serious and frightening version of Moliere’s classic. A fast pace two hour and twenty minute farce. Director Dominique Sarrand brought an abundance of magnificent energetic acting on the part of the cast MIRANDOLINA! MISTRESS OF A TUSCAN INN—CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---Center Rep managed an extraordinary feat with a new. Very siliver-tongued translation with some of the company finest actors FIFTH OF JULY---AURORA THEATRE COMPANY---I had seen this play several times in the past and this was an outstanding version of Lanford Wilson’s play Director Tom Ross assembled a brilliant cast of fine actors to present this play. MOUNT MISERY—CUSTOM BALL THEATRE--- Andrew Saito’s play was an intriguing history drama about Donald Rumsfeld. Beautifully acted DON QUIXOTE---MARIN SHAKESPEARE COMPANY—This is a brilliant new version of the Man from La Mancha. It’s lighthearted and funny earance
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My Top Ten Regional Musicals of the San Francisco Bay Area
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:19 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	My Top Ten Regional Production (Drama & Comedy) of 2015 - Richard Connema 05:17 pm EST 12/25/15

CANDIDE---LAMPLIGHTERS A beautiful production of Leonard Bernstein work. This was John Caird’s version which was darker than the American version and more articulate that the original New York production. GRAY GARDENS---CUSTOM MADE---A marvelous production. It was a bold and very imaginative musical. A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC—AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE---This marked the fifth time I had seen this musical seeing the original and London production. Director Mark Lamos had an incrediable cast from New York joining the locals to fill the roles. THE ADDAMS FAMILY—SAN JOSE STAGE—A wackily entertaining musical. A wonderful cast who were spot on in their characters ANYTHING GOES—CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK Cole Porter would have been proud of this production. It was as good as the productions I have seen in New York and London. Cast was perfect with top flight singers singing the Cole Porter songs. COMPANY—SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---Director Susi Damilano assembled an outstanding cast of 15 actors and singers to present this first class production of the Sondheim musical. TRIANGLE—THEATRE WORKS---It was a wonderful world premiere musical that was a mixture of opulent, chamber sounds from the early 1900’s and a contemporary sound from today’s world. This was a beautiful production that should have a life of its own with a top flight New York and Los Angeles cast. DOGFIGHT---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---a moving, stimulating and wonderful all rolled up in one terrific musical. The score was harmonious and engaging. SAIL AWAY---42nd Street Moon---This was a very professional Noel Coward musical that I originally saw on Broadway. Wonderful music. SCROOGE IN LOVE---42nd Street Moon—A world premiere and was a delightful and charismatic ----------------------------------- HONORABLE MENTION: ------------------------------ THE CABLE CAR NYMPHONIAC---FOGG THEATRE The new musical was really not a “camp musical” but more on the order of “Next to Normal”. It took a hard hard and hilarious look a gender roles. Tony Asaro’s excellent score reminded me of William Fin or Tim Kitt. HOME STREET HOME---a new rock musical by Fat Mike that premiere here at Z Space. The musical was remincent of Rent and Spring Awakining NICK AND NORA---42ND STREET MOON---Greg MacKellan really went on a limb to present this rarely seen musical that failed on Broadway. He did assemble a damn fine cast and it was fun to watch this musical. MAX UNDERSTOOD—PAUL DRESHER EMSEMBLE—A new musical by Nancy Carlin and Michael Rasbury .It a striking production about a fifth grader boy with autism WHERE’S CHARLIE---42ND STREET MOON---director Dyan McBride assembled a top notch cast to present this charming musical. HEATHER THE MUSICAL---RAY OF LIGHT—The company presented the first regional musical production after its Off Broadway run. It was a swinging affair with an outstanding cast of young singers. TOMFOOLERY—LANDMARK MUSICAL THEATRE—rarely performed today but Jon Rosen’s little group of singer/players sung a vigorous dose of 30 songs senseless songs. THE BARBARY COAST REVUE—BALANCOIRE CLUB---I was pleasantly surprise by this wonderful group who gave a 90 minute history of San Francisco. The songs were parodies of songs created by Bay Area artists AMEILIE, A NEW MUSICAL---BERKELEY REP—one of the most charming musicals I have seen this year. It had an enjoyable score of light airy music one would find in a Disney film sung by a very talented cast. FOODIES---SHELTON THEATRE---this little group of four brilliant singers has been a San Francisco entertaining landmark for three years. It’s beautifully paced, bouncing and a tuneful musical that reminded me of those Billy Barnes musical revues that I would see when working in Hollywood LIZZIE---RAY OF LIGHT---Rocking good musical featuring four women who front the six piece rock band, THE ADDAMS FAMILY---PALO ALTO PLAYERS—an excellent production of the Andrew Lippa musical that I first saw. MOMENTS OF TRUTH---3GIRLS THEATRE COMPANY—this charming little chamber musical by Caroline Altman was a gem. The direction was spot on and the four member cast was excellent. THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA---SPRECKLES THEATRE COMPANY---this was gorgeous production of the Adam Guettel’s musical EMMA THE MUSICAL---THEATREWORKS---I saw Paul Gordon’s musical a second time and I enjoyed it more since it has been tighten a bit to make it more delightful musical It reminded me of a Richard Rodger score HOW TO SUCCED BUSINESS WITHOUT TRYING---BAM—a very energetic music by this new young groupl
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My Top Ten Actresses in Drama & Comedy in Regional Theatre
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:23 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	My Top Ten Regional Musicals of the San Francisco Bay Area - Richard Connema 05:19 pm EST 12/25/15

THE TOP TEN REGIONAL ACTRESSES IN COMEDY & DRAMA (In order of their productions) MARIA LEIGH—LATE; A COWBOY SONG—CUSTOM MADE THEATRE—she radiated kindness, defenselessness and eccentricity all at the same time as Mary CATHLEEN RIDDLEY—TREE—SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE.-She gave a brava performance as Mrs. Price in the San Francisco Playhouse production of Julie Herbert’s Tree. Her portrayal of the character’s dementia induced both shock and sympathy CARRIE PAFF---STUPID FUCKING BIRD—SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---She played the role of the stage and screen star Emma. She was superb in the role of a majestic and self-center actress. REBECCA DINES ---FALLEN ANGELS—THEATREWORKS---. Rebecca dazzling in the role who seemed happy in her marriage. SARAH OVERMAN---FALLEN ANGELS—THEATREWORKS---She gave a brilliant over the top performance as woman who had settled into a dull marriage. KIMBERLY KING---THE COUNTRY HOUSE---THEATREWORKS---She gave a wonderful performance as the ageing Broadway actress Anna. She skillfully maintains a balance between an unfaltering and strong character and a woman heartbroken from the loss of her youth MELANIE DUPUY---STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE—ROLE PLAYERS ENSEMBLE--- a wonderful compelling performance as Blanche DeBois. She captured the fragile spirit of the character DESIREE ROGER---THE KID THING—NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER---She was outstanding as Darcy and her tour de force of acting at the end when she reveals the real reason for resistance was powerful. MONICA HO---IN LOVE AND WARCRAFT—CUSTOM MADE THEATRE COMPANY—She gave an engaging performance as Evie. Her wonderful, expressive face revealed Evie’s longings, pages and susceptibilities. CARRIE PAFF---STAGE KISS---she was terrific as the actress. It is hard for this talented actress to become the world’s worst actress in both play-within-a-play. There were many excellent actresses in production but they were too numerous to mention.
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My Top Ten Actors in Drama & Comedy in Regional Productions
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:26 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	My Top Ten Actresses in Drama & Comedy in Regional Theatre - Richard Connema 05:23 pm EST 12/25/15

THE TOP TEN ACTORS IN REGIONAL DRAMA & COMEDY (In order of their productions) BRIAN MARTIN ----He gave an outstanding performance in Custom Made’s production of Sarah Rulh’s Late: A Cowboy Song” . He showed great depth, sympathy and understanding in the role. GABRIEL MARIN---MIRANDOLINA! MISTRESS OF A TUSCAN INN---Gabe was outstanding as the Cavaliere de Ripafratta, an avowed woman-who would seem to be no suitor at all . Also GABRIEL MANIN was also dynamic as the ego centric-man-child but he did give the character a certain sympathy CARL LUMBLY---LET THERE BE LOVE—AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATRE--- Carl was brilliant as the obstinate Caribbean old man. He offered a fine mixture of grumbling belligerence, snarky humor and unspoken feeling .Also CARL LUMBLY---BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY—AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER---Carl once again gave a powerful performance as Carl who skillfully was cantankerous one moment and then a pussycat the next. . DON BONOHUE---ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS—BERKELEY REP---Don was a master clown. His riotous monologues to his audience about his bedeviling hunger and glowing slip-ups were so much funnier with his British accent. SEAN SAN JOSE---THE GOLDEN STATE—PORT ONE: DELANO—MAGIC THEATRE--- He gave a dynamic performance as Elias. He rarely lessened the character’s anxious and jumpy movements. RON CAMPBELL---DON QUIXOTE—MARIN SHAKESPEARE----He gave an outstanding performance as Don Quixote. He is simply amazing as the age Quixano and his limbs are seemingly made of rubber and he moved with unbelievable dexterity. DANNY SCHEIE AND LIAM VINCENT---THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP---CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE COMPANY-- There were gave zany off the wall performances Also DANNY SCHEIE---MONSTER-BUILDER---AURORA THEATRE---He was outstanding as the egoist Gregor and he played it to the hilt. He smiles and preens about the stage, his vibrant voice ringing out thru the small intimate theatre AIDAN O’REILLY---RICHARD III---MARIN THEATRE—I have seen many performers play this role including the greats. He was magnificent in the role. As soon as he entered the stage with those famous lines “Now is the winter of our discontent” you know you were going to see great acting. ROB AUGUST—A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE—ROLE PLAYERS ENSEMBLE---Rod was Stanley Kowalski, what a performance. He did not channel Marlon Brando. He gave a raw and powerful performance with a mixture of New Orleans slang and his projection was amazing. P.A.COOLEY---THE NANCE---NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER--- He was outstanding as the Nance Chauncey. He was pitch perfect as the sad clown and his original way of saying something droll and rejecting it with a grimace was fantastic. THERE WERE MANY EXCELLENT ACTORS BUT THERE WERE TOO NUMERIOUS TO MENTION.
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re: My Top Ten Actresses in Regional Musicals
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:28 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	My Top Ten Actors in Drama & Comedy in Regional Productions - Richard Connema 05:26 pm EST 12/25/15

THE TOP TEN ACTRESSES IN REGIONAL MUSICALS RINABETH APOSTOL---THE CABLE CAR NYMPHONMANIC---FOGG THEATRE---she was outstanding as Gloria. She sometimes looked like Marilyn Monroe in the musical. She had mellifluous vocal cords when singing. BRITTANY DANIELLE---NICK AND NORA—42ND STREET MOON---Brittany was a worthy successor of Myrna Loy in the original “Thin Man Series”. She had great vocal cords in her song. HEATHER ORTH—GREY GARDENS—CUSTOM MADE THEATRE Heather gives a flawless performance in the dual role of Edith in the first act and Little Edie in the second act MARY GIBBONEY ---GREY GARDENS---CUSTOM MADE-.—Mary gives a brilliant performance as Edith in the second act. Stooped over, you swear she was an 80 year old woman. ALLISON F RICH---THE ADDAMS FAMILY—SAN JOSE STAGE. She was outstanding in the role of Mortica. In fact she was Mortica. Also outstanding a Mimi in “Sail Away” at 42nd Street Moon. She made the role her own with her powerful singing chops. MOLLY BELL---ANYTHING GOES—CENTER REP OF WALNUT CREEK---She was sensational as Reno Sweeney. She made the role her own with her blithe, jazzy original phrasing. SAMANTHA BARK---AMELIE—BERKELEY REP—She was very charismatic in the role and her sweet vocal cords were beautiful to hear. JENNIFER MITCHELL—LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA—SPRECKLES THEATRE COMPANY----She was captivating with her radiant soprano voice as Clara. LIANNE MARIE DOBBS---EMMA THE MUSICAL—THEATREWORKS--- she was enchanting as Emma. Her vocal cords were untainted and iridescent in her songs. CHLOE CONDON---HOW TO SUCCEED BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING---BAM----She gave depth to the role of Rosemary and she had strong vocal cords in her renditions of the songs.
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re: My Top Ten Actors in Regional Musicals
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:30 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	re: My Top Ten Actresses in Regional Musicals - Richard Connema 05:28 pm EST 12/25/15

THE TOP TEN ACTORS IN REGIONAL MUSICALS (In order of their appearance) D’ARCY DROLLINGER---SHIT AND CHAMPAGNE—OASIS---he is probably one of the best drags artist in this city and he rocked as Champagne White in this adventure SAMUEL FAUSTINE—CANDIDE—LAMPLIGHTERS—I had seen this production oh so many times in London and New York and this was best actors to play the role of Candide. He played the role sometimes in a comic vein and then morphed beautifully into a more serious mood, He also had a powerful voice. RYAN DRUMMOND---NICK AND NORA—42ND STREET MOON---Ryan was a worthy successor to William Powell. He had charming vocal cords in his numbers. JOHAN BROSCOW---MAX UNDERSTOOD—THE PAUL DRESHER ENSAMBLE---He gave a superb performance as a young autistic Max. JOEY MCDANIEL—THE ADDAMS FAMILY—PALO ALTO PLAYERS---Joey was a hoot playing Uncle Fester. He was just as good as Jackie Coogan who played the uncle in the TV series. KEITH PINTO –WHERE’S CHARLEY—42ND STREET MOON---Keith made the role his own playing Charley aun’t. He was a hoot. JOHNNY MOREN0----ADAM’S FAMILY---SAN JOSE STAGE He was outstanding at Gomez. In fact he was Gomez. KEITH PINTO---COMPANY---SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE--- After seeing this play dozen times in New York, Los Angeles and London Keith was one of the best “Bobby’s” I have even seen. JEFFREY BRIAN ADAMS—DOGFLIGHT—SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE---He was excellent as Eddie. He skillfully played the role of a boy who is not yet a man. He was brash but deeply vulnerable. JASON GRAAE---SCROOGE IN LOVE—42nd Street Moon---Jason was dazzling as Scrooge. He gave the role a more mellow characterization and he had excellent vocal cords on his songs by Larry Grossman and Kellen Blair.
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The Top Ten Touring Companies.
Posted by:	Richard Connema 05:31 pm EST 12/25/15
In reply to:	re: My Top Ten Actors in Regional Musicals - Richard Connema 05:30 pm EST 12/25/15

THE TOP TEN TOURING SHOWS BLITHE SPIRIT---Angela Lansbury as Madame Arcati as she vibrates across the stage gives a tour de force of comic acting. BOOK OF MORMAN---SHN-- THE BOOK OF MORMON---SHN---I finally saw this touring production. Yes it was highly entertaining NEWSIES---A dazzling production featuring incredible choreography and breathtaking by a group of young talented singer-dancers. ANNIE—SHN—once again there was a touring company of the musical. Kids were great in this production MATILDA THE MUSICAL—SHN—This was one of the most joyful, charming and dynamic musicals I have seen all year. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA—SHN---This re-interpreation was not to my liking. I prefer the original concept. ONCE---SHN---It did my Irish heart good to hear this beautiful heartfelt musical. IF/THEN---SHN---Lively musical. Idina Menzel rocked but I I thought Anthony Rapp and James Snyder were excellent. A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER—SHN—a wonderful musical based of “Kind Hearts and Coronets” with Steven Lutvak’s bright and effervescent music that reminded me of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. A CHRISTMAS STORY—SHN---A very charming musical which reminded me of growing up in Ohio
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